Courtesy nav B

Search form

You are hereHome>News>Samaritans urges men to talk about their problems

Samaritans urges men to talk about their problems

Monday 15th June 2015

Samaritans has appealed for men to contact them when they are struggling to cope, as data released today shows 50 per cent of those who contact the charity are men.

Samaritans has released this figure to mark Men’s Health Week which runs from 15 to 21 June. The theme of the week this year is ‘Creating Culture Change- it’s time for a new script’.

Samaritans’ research, Men, Suicide and Society* shows that men tend to compare themselves to a masculine “gold standard”. This standard puts pressure on men to be powerful, successful and in control. This contributes to the higher rate of suicide among men and can be a major barrier to men seeking help.

Men in Ireland are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Figures released by the Central Statistics Office last month show that 459 suicides were recorded in Ireland last year- 368 of those who died were male and 91 were female**. Men aged between 45-48 have the highest rate of suicide in Ireland (29.6 per 100,000 suicides)***.

Catherine Brogan, Executive Director, Samaritans Ireland, said:

“It’s time to challenge the view that being a man means not talking about what’s wrong or asking for help. We know that men can and do talk about their problems when there is a supportive environment for them to do so in. We believe that instead of blaming men for not talking, services need to acknowledge and address the difference in how men and women access support.

While we are pleased to see that such a high percentage of our calls come from men, we want to encourage more men to call us when they are going through a tough time. Male suicide is a big problem in Ireland and it is important that men know that they do not have to struggle alone. We provide a safe space for people to talk without fear of being judged.”

Samaritans has been campaigning for measures to tackle the high rates of male suicide since 2010, when it launched its ‘Men on the Ropes’ campaign, specifically aimed at men. The charity also reaches out to men through its partnership with the GAA and through outreach work in communities at increased risk of suicide.

Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year. We provide a safe place for anyone struggling to cope whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them, Please call 116 123, email jo@samartians.org or visit www.samaritans.ie to find details of the nearest branch.

People talk to us anytime they like, in their own way - about whatever’s getting to them. You don't have to be suicidal.

Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales. Founded in 1953 by the late Prebendary Dr Chad Varah CH CBE.

Samaritans is a charity registered in England and Wales (219432) and in Scotland (SC040604) and incorporated in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee (757372). Samaritans Ireland is a charity registered in the Republic of Ireland (20033668) and incorporated in the Republic of Ireland as a company limited by guarantee (450409). Samaritans in Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland (SC009843) and incorporated as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation.